Let’s talk SUNSCREENS, they're only the most
important skin care product. That’s why this post has been on my mind ever
since the hot summer season started. As you can see from the pictures, I
actually have two sets of sunscreens, one is empty & the other is new. If
its not broke, why fix it right? Both these sunscreens have worked well for me
when I first used them so I have repurchased them.
Some important points about sunscreens:
Fact
1: UV rays that reach our atmosphere are of 2
types-UVA & UVB. UVB rays cause sunburns & skin cancer. SPFs measure only
UVB protection. Any SPF 15 product filters out 93% of the UVB , SPF 30 filters
out 97%, & SPF 45 filters out 98% of UVB rays. The best UVB protection you
can offer your skin is SPF30.
Fact
2: UVA rays may also cause skin cancer. But the
amount of protection against UVA rays cannot be measured by SPF. Presence of
ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, ecamsule, and
oxybenzone indicate UVA protection. Sunscreens with both UVA & UVB
protection could be labeled multi spectrum, broad spectrum, or UVA/UVB
protection. PA+ is a Japanese UVA rating (‘+’ is the lowest rating & ‘+++’
is the highest).
Fact
3: SPF in
makeup & skincare only protects you from UVB rays. In order to protect your
skin from UVA rays, its mandatory to use a sunscreen having ingredients
mentioned in Fact 2. To quote WebMD, “Ultra-protective
makeup is a boon for skin. But think of it as the Robin to your sunscreen's
Batman — a dynamic duo stronger together than either is alone”.
Fact
4: Sunblock is a physical kind of protective lotion
containing both organic and non-organic ingredients that act as a barrier
between your skin and UV rays by reflecting or scattering them. Sunscreen is
the chemical kind that penetrates the skin and absorbs the UV rays before they
reach the protective outer epidermis layer of your skin & damage it.
When you’re looking for a sunscreen in
India, go for one that has an Sun Protection Factor(SPF) of 30 or higher and is
broad spectrum(i.e both UVA & UVB protection). Why? See Fact 1 above. For
me, the sunscreens that met all the criteria are the Neutrogena Dry Touch ones.
There are many more
in the market but currently these two are the only ones
that give you a bang for your buck.
The Neutrogena Dry-Touch technology claims to leave a clean, lightweight,
non-shiny finish. Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreens are also non-comedogenic
(don’t clog pores), oil free & PABA(Para-AminoBenzoic Acid) free. They also
have claims such as ‘broad spectrum’
(mentioned in Fact 2) and ‘helioplex’.
Helioplex is stabilized version of Avobenzone
(mentioned in Fact 2), which deflects a wider range of UVA rays than other
anti-UVA ingredients. It is stabilized so that it doesn’t degrade in sunlight
i.e its staying power is extended. These
sunscreens need to be applied 15-30mins before sun exposure!
Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+:
Price:
Rs.175 ($2.75)/Rs499($8)
Qty:
30ml(1 fl.oz)/88ml(2.97 fl.oz)
Ingredients:
Water,
Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzophenone – 3, Octocrylene, Silica, Butyl
Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Styrene copolymer, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate,
Beeswwax, Gylceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Dimethicone,
Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate,
Xanthan gum, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 crosspolymer, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl
Methacrylate copolymer, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylstearate, BHT,
Trideceth – 6, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Methylisothiazolinone, Diethylhexyl
2, 6 Napthlate
Review:
I've been using this since a long time, I had even mentioned it in a summer skin care post last year.I use this sunblock primarily for my face
& feet. It’s a white colored creamy product, inspite of being ‘dry touch’, it spreads easily on
the skin. However it’s not comfortable to spread all over the body unless I’ve
properly moisturized, and it feels too heavy on my body post moisturization (that’s
why I use the sunscreen reviewed below) It claims to give a ‘non-shiny’ finish, however, after
application my skin does look slightly shiny, even after powdering on top. But
it doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. It
needs to be applied 15-30mins before going out in the sun. It’s also waterproof, sweat proof & resists rub
off. I can’t attest to the waterproof claims but I do think it resists rub
offs. I always buy the small size(30mls) and carry it in my purse as well to
reapply when I’m outside for longer durations. It does protect my skin from
tanning & I would definitely recommend this product to everyone having
normal to oily skin type.
Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30:
Price:
Rs.675 ($10.6)
Qty:
141g (5 fl.oz)
Active
Ingredients: Avobenzone,
homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone
Review:
I use this spray-type of sunscreen only for
my body. I like using it for the whole body because it’s very convenient and
doesn’t feel heavy on the skin when used post moisturization. One thing that
I’m not too fond of is that it makes my skin look shiny post application. Shiny
skin looks good if you have waxed your arms. If you haven’t, it’s not an
appealing look. It can make the skin really greasy too, if you apply alot. But this is something I
have to overlook because of the ease of use. I do wish this bottle was available in
smaller sizes so that I can always carry one around in my purse & reapply
whenever I’m outside for longer durations. According to the instructions, once
you spray this onto your skin, you do have to rub it in. I haven’t used this on
my face, my sister tried it a couple of times on her face & it broke her
out so I would not recommend it. As for sun-protection, I think it has
prevented my arms & legs from tanning & if used liberally it protects my feet
from tanning but not for long, which is why I use the sunscreen mentioned above. It is water
resistant for 80min. This is the cheapest sunscreen spray in the Indian
market & I definitely recommend everyone to try it out at least once.
Now, coming to another important fact about
sunscreen-
Fact
5: You need to apply at least a 1/4th tea-spoon
sized amount on the face & neck each for the sunscreen to be effective. If
you’re using a spray, it should be applied until an even sheen appears on the
skin. Sunscreen should always be the
final step of your skincare/makeup routine, because anything applied over your
sunblock will reduce its effectiveness. ANY sunscreen needs to be reapplied
every two hours, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration or outdoor
activities.
Before you rate a sunscreen for not
working, make sure you’re using it properly girls!
I would suggest you to try out at least one
of these sunscreens, and definitely buy them online because its always cheaper
than buying at the store! Let me know your favorite sunscreens in the comments!
